The fleet industry drove growth in the plate-change month of March with registrations up 11.6% to 219,153 units, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
March is typically the biggest month of the year for new car sales and this year was no different, with a 6% rise in total registrations in March year-on-year to nearly half a million, 492,774 cars in total.
The total result is the best month since the twice-yearly number plate changes were introduced in 1999.
Registrations so far this year have increased by 6.8% to 734,588 and it is the 37th month of consecutive growth in the new car market. The UK market surpassed pre-recession levels seven months ago.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The challenge for a new government and industry will be to maintain this momentum and to strengthen Britain’s manufacturing capabilities through continued investment, innovation and policies which maintain our global competitiveness.
“Whatever the general election result, the new government must keep up the commitment to the sector which is delivering at home and abroad.”
Highest car registrations in March 2015 and YTD
Best sellers | March | Year-to-date | |||||
1 | Ford Fiesta | 27,034 | 1 | Ford Fiesta | 39,804 | ||
2 | Vauxhall Corsa | 19,391 | 2 | Vauxhall Corsa | 29,100 | ||
3 | Ford Focus | 15,442 | 3 | Ford Focus | 22,287 | ||
4 | Nissan Qashqai | 12,210 | 4 | Volkswagen Golf | 19,435 | ||
5 | Volkswagen Golf | 11,871 | 5 | Nissan Qashqai | 18,686 | ||
6 | Volkswagen Polo | 10,038 | 6 | Vauxhall Astra | 15,009 | ||
7 | Vauxhall Astra | 9,617 | 7 | Volkswagen Polo | 14,821 | ||
8 | Audi A3 | 9,101 | 8 | Audi A3 | 14,358 | ||
9 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 8,755 | 9 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 13,975 | ||
10 | Fiat 500 | 8,662 | 10 | Fiat 500 | 13,243 |
(Source: SMMT)